Health news and events around the valley, Aug. 6-12, 2015
Bloodmobile drives planned across valley
UBS Bloodmobile drives are planned at multiple times and locations around the valley. Call 702-233-9620 or visit unitedbloodservices.org and enter the code specific to the location, listed below. The locations include:
From 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Aug. 8 at the Rainbow Library, 3150 N. Buffalo Drive. Enter sponsor code rainbowlibrary.
From 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Aug. 11 at the Regional Justice Center, 200 Lewis Ave. Enter sponsor code rjc.
From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 12 at Barclaycard, 2280 Corporate Circle. Enter sponsor code barclay.
From 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Aug. 12 at One Nevada Credit Union, 2645 S. Mojave Road. Enter sponsor code nfcu.
American Red Cross blood drives scheduled across valley
The American Red Cross encourages residents to donate. Blood drives are planned continually across the valley. All blood types are needed, especially O negative, A negative and B negative, on a regular basis. To schedule a donation appointment, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 800-733-2767. Upcoming donation opportunities are:
Las Vegas
From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 6 at Centennial Hills Hospital, 6900 N. Durango Drive.
From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 8 at Crystal Cove Apartments at the Lakes, 3309 Sky Country Lane.
From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 10 at Lowe's, 9955 S. Eastern Ave.
From 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 11 at Wells Fargo Bank, 6325 S. Rainbow Blvd.
From 2:45 to 6:45 p.m. Aug. 12 at the Clark County Library, 1401 E. Flamingo Road.
From 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Aug. 13 at New York New York, 3790 Las Vegas Blvd. South.
Henderson
From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 8 at Smith's, 55 S. Valle Verde Drive.
From 11 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Aug. 9 at Lowe's, 440 Marks St.
North Las Vegas
From 8:45 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Aug. 6 at Battle of the Badges, 2250 Las Vegas Blvd. North.
Free teddy bear clinic planned at Centennial Hills Hospital
A free teddy bear clinic is set from 10 a.m. to noon Aug. 5 at Centennial Hills Hospital, 6900 N. Durango Drive. Parents and children can bring a favorite stuffed animal to learn what happens during a hospital visit. Register by calling 702-388-4888.
Children's Heart Foundation's Camp Heart & Sole kicks off
The Children's Heart Foundation Camp Heart & Sole was set to start Aug. 6 with a 9 a.m. bus departure from the Children's Heart Foundation, 3006 S. Maryland Parkway, to Torino Ranch at the base of Mount Charleston.
The free camp offers a medically supervised, cost-free camp designed for children 6 to 17 living in Nevada who are at risk of developing heart problems. It is designed to provide the opportunity for children to connect with other young people who may share similar health, emotional and physical challenges. It runs through Aug. 9.
Call 702-967-3522 or visit chfn.org.
Las Vegas HEALS reintroduces medical mixers as Healthcare Happy Hours
Las Vegas HEALS, a nonprofit fostering strategic alliances in the health care community, is reintroducing its Medical Mixers as Healthcare Happy Hours. The events are planned for the first Thursday of the month. Members are invited to attend the inaugural Healthcare Happy Hour from 6 to 8 p.m. Aug. 6 at Dignity Health — St. Rose Dominican Hospital — Siena Campus, 3001 St. Rose Parkway. Nonmembers are encouraged to attend one event as a guest of Las Vegas HEALS.
Healthcare Happy Hours provide sponsorship opportunities for organizations to conduct open houses, grand openings and make industry announcements. Visit lasvegasheals.org or call 702-952-2477. Nonmembers who have not yet attended a monthly event may email membership@lasvegasheals.org to request a one-time invitation.
Breastfeeding resource fair set for Aug. 8
The Southern Nevada Breastfeeding Coalition is planning Naturally Nurturing: A Breastfeeding Resource Fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 8 at the Springs Preserve, 333 S. Valley View Blvd. The event is free for pregnant and new moms, along with grandparents and kids. Nurturing Naturally is in an indoor, air-conditioned area and includes a pumping/back-to-work education session, infant CPR and infant massage. Visit snvbreastfeeding.org/events.html or email snvbreastfeeding@gmail.com.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy seminar planned for Aug. 27 at Spring Valley Hospital
A free What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy? seminar is set from noon to 1 p.m. Aug. 27 at Spring Valley Hospital, 5400 S. Rainbow Blvd.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy can be an important part of wound care treatment, spending time in a pressurized chamber to help the blood carry more oxygen to the body's tissues and organs to help with healing. Learn more about this process, along with the types of medical issues it can help treat. Registration is required by calling 702-388-4888.
Valley Health System receives accreditation from College of American Pathologists
The Accreditation Committee of the College of American Pathologists has awarded accreditation to the Valley Health System Hospital Laboratory in Las Vegas based on results of a recent on-site inspection as part of the the college's accreditation program. The Valley Health System Laboratory is one of more than 7,600 CAP-accredited facilities worldwide. The U.S. federal government recognizes the CAP Laboratory Accreditation Program, which began in the early 1960s, as being equal to or more stringent that the government's own inspection program, according to the College of American Pathologists. Visit cap.org.
Hospices set to participate in Medicare Care Choices Model
Nathan Adelson Hospice announced it has been selected to participate in the Medicare Care Choices Model. The model provides Medicare beneficiaries who qualify for coverage under the Medicare Hospice Benefit and dually eligible beneficiaries who qualify for the Medicaid Hospice Benefit the option to elect to receive supportive care services typically provided by hospice and continue to receive curative services at the same time.
For information on the model or list of participating hospices, visit innovation.cms.gov/initiatives/medicare-care-choices cms.gov/newsroom/mediareleasedatabase/fact-sheets/2015-fact-sheets-items/2015-07-20.html.
Cardiac Rehabilitation Program available at Desert Springs Hospital
Southern Nevadans who have undergone open heart surgery, balloon angioplasty or have other serious cardiac conditions may benefit from a personalized cardiac rehabilitation program available at Desert Springs Hospital. The program uses a mix of education, personalized exercise plans and encouragement to strengthen the heart muscle and adopt healthier lifestyle changes, according to Larren Wallace, director of cardiopulmonary services for the hospital.
Under the direction of Larren Wallace and medical director Dr. Alfred Danielian, the cardiac rehabilitation center helps patients continue with their cardiac recovery. The cardiac rehabilitation team can help address patients' future heart problems by educating them on cardiac risk factors and focusing on the benefits of a healthier lifestyle through a heart-healthy diet and personally designed exercise options.
Call 702-902-1700.
Fibromyalgia group meets second, third Thursdays
The Fibromyalgia Friends Support Group of Southern Nevada is scheduled to meet during lunch and evening sessions the second and third Thursday of the month. Lunch meetings are set from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Fiesta Henderson buffet, 777 W. Lake Mead Parkway. Evening meetings are planned from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Barbara Greenspun Women's Care Center, 2651 Paseo Verde Parkway, Suite 180. Visit fmfriends.org.
Breast cancer empowerment group set to meet monthly
A free Breast Cancer Empowerment/Support Group is set to meet from 6 to 7:30 p.m. the second Tuesday of the month at Summerlin Hospital Medical Center, 657 N. Town Center Drive.
Topics vary and include guest speakers, resources and open discussion with the goal of helping to empower and support women. RSVP by calling 702-233-7155.
Better Breathers Club set to meet monthly
The Better Breathers Club is set to meet the second Tuesday of the month at Centennial Hills Hospital, 6900 N. Durango Drive. This educational and social support group is for people with lung disease, their loved ones and caregivers. A light lunch and snacks are planned. Call Henry Clay at 702-835-9898.
Free STD testing available
Free weekly STD screenings are available at the Gay and Lesbian Center of Southern Nevada and the Richard Steele Boxing Facility. Visit snhd.info/sexual-health-clinic.
Stroke support group planning monthly meetings
The Stroke Support Group is set to meet at various times monthly:
From 3 to 4 p.m. the fourth Thursday of the month at Summerlin Hospital Medical Center, 657 N. Town Center Drive, 702-233-7061.
From 3 to 4 p.m. the second Tuesday of the month at Centennial Hills Hospital, 6900 N. Durango Drive, 702-629-1309.
From 10 a.m. to noon the first Saturday of the month at the South Magna Conference Center, south of the Desert Springs Hospital main entrance, 2075 E. Flamingo Road, 702-369-7560. Recommended parking is off Bruce Street. Lunch is provided.
From 10 to 11:30 a.m. the fourth Wednesday of the month on the fourth floor of Valley Hospital, 620 Shadow Lane. Call 702-388-8441 or 702-388-4619. Light refreshments will be served.
